Harris Corporation reported fiscal 2004 second quarter results last week. Net income increased 103 percent and revenues grew 16 percent for the entire corporation. The Broadcast Communications segment did not fare as well, with segment revenue dropping from $94.2 million to $66.4 million (over 29 percent) and operating income falling from $6.0 million to $2.6 million (over 56 percent).
The Harris press release said the company received four new orders for full-power DTV equipment upgrades, including orders from Tribune Broadcasting, Hearst-Argyle Broadcasting, and Quincy Newspapers, Inc. in the second quarter of 2004. Sales for studio products and systems also increased during the quarter. Additional orders were received for digital radio transmission equipment. The Harris release said, "We were further encouraged by the launch of several digital radio receivers at the recent Consumer Electronics Show."
Harris reported that in international markets, the Broadcast Board of Governors (BBG) Radio SAWA, Radio Free Iraq and Voice of America broadcast services selected Harris radio transmitters and accessories. As reported in the Jan. 12 RF Report, Harris broadcast equipment will be used to modernize the Iraqi Media Network.
